Campervan blown over on highway, one person seriously injured

One person has serious injuries after a campervan was blown onto its side while travelling on a Hawke’s Bay state highway.

The incident was one of many reported to emergency services as severe gusts hit the region, in particular through Central Hawke’s Bay, on Sunday afternoon.

A police spokeswoman said emergency services were called to the campervan crash on State Highway 50 near Tikokino Rd about 2.45pm.

The road was blocked in both directions, and the serious crash unit called, as firefighters worked to free two trapped people from the vehicle.

One person in the campervan had a serious injury, while the other had a minor injury, the spokeswoman said.

The pair were taken to hospital, and the road was reopened around 6.30pm.

Just minutes before the crash, a truck travelling on an exposed stretch of State Highway 2 near Takapau had its trailer blown over.

A Fire and Emergency NZ spokeswoman said the truck stayed upright, but both lanes of the highway through Central Hawke’s Bay were blocked by it.

A police spokeswoman said there were no reports of injuries, but a crane was requested to right the trailer.

Firefighters were also called to at least six other wind-related incidents in Central Hawke’s Bay, including three burnoffs spreading, and several trees down.

In one incident, on Hatuma Rd, a grass fire was sparked when trees brought down power lines.

After power was isolated, firefighters extinguished the small fire.

Later on Sunday night, firefighters were also called to a crash on Waimārama Rd, Waimārama.

One person had moderate injuries after their car rolled about 9.45pm and they were taken to hospital.

A Fire and Emergency NZ spokeswoman said it had been a “very busy day” for volunteers and emergency services.